Phumza Sigaqa was apprehended weeks after Joshlin Smith went missing on 19 February 2024 and as the anniversary of her arrest approaches, Sigaqa said she is forced to relive the trauma she experienced.
Phumza Sigaqa in court last year in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith . Charges were eventually withdrawn against Sigaqa.Picture suppliedMarch 5 2024 was a life altering day for Phumza Sigaqa - she was wrongfully accused in the disappearance of six-year old Joshlin Smith but was later released from police custody after it emerged that she had nothing to do with the crime.
“I have told everyone that the last time I saw Joshlin was the day of her disappearance when she walked past with her mom and then later Kelly came to my house and asked if I had seen her.Sigaqa was sleeping at her Middelpos home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay on March 5, when the police knocked down her door.“When the police arrived we were sleeping, I think it was around 11pm. We heard banging sounds and when my husband looked out the window, the police were cutting the shade net.
“I was charged at Hopefield Police Station but only appeared in court on 7 March. The case was postponed until March 13. I spent seven days in Langebaan police station. When I returned to court I was informed the charges had been withdrawn.
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